Here in Chicago, we are working feverishly to get last minute details into place.

Even at this eleventh (or at least tenth) hour, we are adding extra value to the schedule: a certain author who missed both Oasis and Hukilau wants to do one of his world-famous slideshows, and we're looking into being able to tell a certain Detroit-born burlesque queen that she has a green light to perform her red-light district dance of the seven Tikis during the festivites. Look for confirmation on both of these additions soon. Vintage Deluxe told us today that they're doing a 15% off sale all weekend, and will have a Tiki window display in place.

I received word through the grapevine that there were a few concerns about the event; rest assured that the kinks you see on the Exotica-related web sites are being ironed out; Cap'n Dan is tweaking the bus schedule to keep everyone happy, and we are on the verge of making a final call about the all-important vendor's area. An easier and less confusing solution to the troublesome choice of events to attend for Saturday night (Luau or Bowling) is also on the verge of resolution.

One more thing to keep in mind about the nature of this event: unlike the Hukilau, Mondo, and Oasis, this event is NOT a self-contained weekender, all in one place. Think of it more like a pub crawl... and one that lasts for FOUR DAYS!

Those of you in LA, or SF can probably relate: all of the Tiki in those towns is just as spread out as Chicago is (imagine the trek from Emeryville Vic's to Trad'r Sam, or from Tiki Ti to Bahooka, or from Bevberly Vic's to Sam's Seafood!), but we want to make sure you see it all, and that's why we planned things the way we did. Attend some of the events or all of them - since there is NO over-all admission/ticket charge for the weekend, you can see as much Tiki as you can handle, and spend some of the down time seeing the many other things Chicago has to offer.

Speaking of tickets, if you didn't get a ticket for Kona Kai, I suggest begging the Carters (who are in charge of planning this portion of the weekend) RIGHT NOW to squeeze in under the wire: their deadline was today. For $40 you get an open bar, snacks, and entertainment in a KILLER Tiki Bar that has been closed for almost five years. That's a bargain, and you know it! You NEED to be at this event!

The following night is the Luau at Bob Chinn's, and I don't think the coolness of this event has been properly hyped: This luau is a bit pricey at $56, but that's half of what you'd pay for a night at the Mai Kai, and you're getting a buffet of food that is on par (if not better than) the Mai Kai's food (true!), and, if I may be so bold, a show that is an hour long and is also approaching Mai Kai quality. And we'll make sure their Mai Tai recipe is up to snuff - they're already known for it, so we're confident it'll be a good'un. Drop the Franklin, the Lincoln, and the Washington: this is going to be good.

What else? Surf fest at Phylis' Musical Inn - only a block from Rock A Tiki - will mean that the Yuppie-filled Division St neighborhood will be over run with Tikis late Saturday night. Chaos WILL ensue.

And Cap'n Dan's Kon Tiki Transports bus:

Take the bus.

For $26/$30 (Fri/Sat) you will get carted around on a luxury cruiser full of wahines bringing you free booze and gifts. And it's waaayyyy cheaper than cabbing it to the various destinations. Get loaded, It's OK! I have a car, and I'm taking the bus anyway. Sign up!

Okay kahunas, enough hype - all I have to ask now is that you go ahead and pay for the bus, the Kona Kai, and the Luau ASAP, so that the people planning this stuff don't loose their Aloha shirts. Cap'n Dan and the Carters are paying for their expenses out of their own coffers if they don't fly, so we need to get them some semoleans ahead of time to pay off the suits who own the keys to the bars and busses.

Do it now!

Finally, we're working on a map that you'll be able to download annd print, or pick up in hardcopy at the event that will get you where you need to be.

OK, just got the lowdown mass email from JT on Exotica. I have 2 questions, one-the map that's gonna be offered for the event, will there be a charge? My second question, and probably a dumb one (don't laugh), what/where is Club Paradise?!?

I am glad to announce that we do have a bowling alley CONFIRMED for the Guapos Kon-Tiki Bowl 2003.

It is TIMBER LANES which is located at 1851 W. Irving Park - just east of Damen for those of you who know your Chicago geography.

there will be NO COVER to enter the event which makes it the easy choice for those who'd rather spend their dollars on drinks and TIKI goodies.

and yes, a VENDOR AREA is included in this space!

the GUAPOS do apologize for the late date at which we got this finalized. we have been working with a number of lanes in Chicago and the suburbs to get the best, most affordable deal that will still let us run the sound system (no small request on a Saturday night) AND will offer actual TIKI drinks at the bar (again, a rather sizable request for a bowling alley to completely change up its bar offerings and invest in things like Orgeat) AND basically sign their alley over to some masked bowlers and an assortment of tiki fans for a night... all in all, some tall orders for
bowling alley managers, who are more accustomed to 'normal' experiences in renting out their facilities (corporate events, kiddie birthday bowling and the like).

and they make some pretty decent TIKI drinks as well.

there are eight lanes, which serves between 30 and 40 bowlers at any given time. and there will still be TIKI beats (one of Chicago's finest lounge/exotica DJ's), TIKI contests, any vendors who care to sell their wares, and a wide managerie of TIKI-constumed folks to feast your eyes upon. All of which will be free to enjoy and experience. And, of course, the aforementioned TIKI drinks!

Holla if ya got any ?s!!

* WORD *

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So there we are. Tiki bowling ahoy!

And while it's scheduled opposite the $56/person Fires of Polynesia show, it's all part of our plan to offer a smorgasbord of tiki goodness in a variety of cost-effective flavors...

On 2003-08-07 06:59, Dawn32 wrote:one-the map that's gonna be offered for the event, will there be a charge? My second question, and probably a dumb one (don't laugh), what/where is Club Paradise?!?

The map is going to be free. Download it in advance, or pick up a hardcopy at any Eo3 event - still free.

Club Paradise? See Tiki Road Trip page 113 for the whole lowdown, but in brief, it is a little Tiki Bar on Belmont that has been in place under a variety of names for 50 years... but a 1980's renovation and a Polish owner who likes to cater as exclusively as possible to her countrymen make it a sort of scary and surreal experience. It's a quick drive from Hala Kahiki near Belmont and Cumberland.

Oh, ok it's kiddie corner from Mother Guerin (we had a not so nice name for that school and the girls who went there). As you can tell I actually grew up in that area. Broken record-my parents live right behind Hala Kahiki.

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On 2003-08-07 11:52, tikibars wrote:

Quote:

On 2003-08-07 06:59, Dawn32 wrote:one-the map that's gonna be offered for the event, will there be a charge? My second question, and probably a dumb one (don't laugh), what/where is Club Paradise?!?

The map is going to be free. Download it in advance, or pick up a hardcopy at any Eo3 event - still free.

Club Paradise? See Tiki Road Trip page 113 for the whole lowdown, but in brief, it is a little Tiki Bar on Belmont that has been in place under a variety of names for 50 years... but a 1980's renovation and a Polish owner who likes to cater as exclusively as possible to her countrymen make it a sort of scary and surreal experience. It's a quick drive from Hala Kahiki near Belmont and Cumberland.

Dawn,here is a little more info on Club Paradise... unfortunately it is a dump...it has some bamboo and thatch but there ain't any tikis... and the drinks are not all that good... but it is right in your neighborhood, so by all means feel free to check it out for yourself.
In regards to more cool Exotica 2003 happenings...Be sure to stop by Trader Daves at The DuPage County Annual All-Nite Flea Market where they will be offering a bevy of Tiki, 50's Modern furnishings,loads of Aloha Shirts and lots of other groovy stuff.

This just in...Exotica 2003 Serigraph Posters are here and they are looking very Kool...they are a limited edition so be sure to get yours before they're gone! The 2 versions of the Exotica T-Shirts are in process and will ready next week! These are also limited quanities. Look for us at Kon Kai on Friday & Chef Shangri-La on Sunday (if there are any still available)
Ciao Baby!